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About this project

The Project

I seek a world in which we all live with intention and mindfulness in everything that we do. I want to make a a line of bowls, mugs, plates, anything that I can make of your choosing that mirrors this intention.

For me, I feel a peace and serenity once my hands begin to shape what my minds eye has already seen, as I begin to shape that lump of clay into a work of art. I want you to feel that same serenity when you look at one of our completed pieces. Every time you do, you will know that someone poured hours of their own time, effort and love into it. You will know that the piece I created for you is unique because the techniques I have developed over the last 10+ years are special and each piece takes a lot of time. This makes no 2 pieces the same and every single piece UNIQUE. By owning one of our pieces, you will have a connection to us, and we hope that through that connection you will feel the same soulful serenity each time we sit at the wheel and begin to turn a lump of clay into a work of art.

We love making pottery so much that we do it everywhere we can -garages, high schools, you name it! However, we hope to be "roaming throwers" no longer. Our dream has always been to have a place where we can make these pieces of arts whenever we desire so we can share it with the world. We want to launch a line of pottery that people can connect with. It's not enough to just make a piece of Art, it has to have meaning, a connection and a story behind it and when you sip out of a mug, its nice knowing that someone actually made it. We want you to get the full experience of what we love to do. We want you to feel what we experience every time we sit down to turn a lump of clay into a work of art.

Share in our journey of turning a piece of clay into art, our work, and our passion.

If you see something you like or want something that is not listed, let us know! We can make a variety of things that don't have rewards, from chip and salsa bowls, salad bowls, serving bowls, to cookie jars.

Let us know what you want and we will create a personal reward just for you!

Most of the rewards i have factored in include shipping. However, since they are all very fragile items, anything extra you donate helps out a ton. Thanks!

Brief History

My pottery career began in high school in my first Ceramics Class. I discovered I had a real talent for designing and making ceramics on a pottery wheel. I fell in love with it. After a while, it was all I wanted to do. It got to the point where my friend and I would sneak into the ceramics room, ditch assemblies (which got us in trouble on multiple occasions) and make pottery whenever we had the chance.

Eventually I received awards at various fairs and even got a small scholarship for one of my raku pieces entitled "Fiery Dawn". My love of ceramics has continued to grow over the years and I continue to try new things and enhance my talents. I go to high schools, garages, colleges and anywhere I can to make pottery. We even set up booths at the street fairs where we showcase our work.(pictured below)

Below are some photos that show the process of throwing, different types of firing and some examples of our work. Thank you for taking the time to view what we are so passionate about!

The Throwing Process

Myself and my friend Eric(on the right) in the beginning phase of turning a lump of clay into a shape

My wife Natalie with a piece that is almost finished.

Some finished pieces before the firing process begins.

Me doing a live demonstration at a street fair and showcasing our work

High Fire Process

The High fire process involves heating a piece of pottery to around 2400 degrees and then letting it slowly cool letting it go through the oxidation process.

High fire piece that has been turned into a lamp

Finished high fire piece

Finished piece with the "shino" glaze

Tiny high fire piece!

Top view of a bowl

The Raku Process

My favorite firing process is called the "Raku". It involves heating pieces of pottery to around 1800 degrees and while still red-hot, the piece is removed from the kiln and placed in a trash can full of newspapers and various other flammable objects. These objects catch on fire from the intense heat of the pot, causing a process called reduction which creates some marvelous colors.

Picture of me with my old high school ceramics teacher Mr. Cavassa as we are doing a Raku firing at the high school

Taking a piece out just after it has been fired, before it was cleaned.

Finished Raku piece.

Finished Raku piece

Crystalline firing

A very involved firing that involves heating the piece up to 2400 degrees and then cooling it off at precise times and heating it up again so crystals form on the piece of pottery. This process is very taxing on the kiln and requires a lot of monitoring.

An exquisite piece.

What the money is for:

Tools and equipment- Clay, glazes, wheels, kilns, pug mill, etc...

The actual building of a small shed that will function as our studio, possible permitting fees

This depends on the type of piece. All the High-Fired pieces are fired to 2400 degrees making them water tight and making them oven/dishwasher safe. Raku and Crystalline pieces are not food/oven/dishwasher friendly.

Rewards

Pledge $5 or more

A Hand made note from us thanking you for your support along with good vibrations for the rest of the year.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $10 or more

0 backers

A personal video from us, thanking you for your support. Reward #1 is also included

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $25 or more

0 backers

Exclusive video access to the process of building and designing the studio, and a tutorial on the throwing (word used to build pots on the wheel) process. You will also receive an exclusive video detailing the Raku process and what it entails! Rewards 1 and 2 also included.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $30 or more

6 backers

Mug. We will personally make a customized mug for you! They will be your standard coffee mug size. If you have a target color in mind, let us know! Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $40 or more

3 backers

A tiny high fired piece of pottery!(similar to the picture) Declare whether you want a tiny bowl or tiny vase! Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $40 or more

0 backers

Print. You will receive an 8 x 10 print of one of our favorite pieces. This print will be signed and dated by the artist and will be printed in full high quality color on fine art paper. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $50 or more

1 backer

Bowl. We will personally make a customized bowl for you! This tier will be focused on "cereal bowl" sized bowls. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $50 or more

0 backers
Limited (25 left of 25)

Are you or will you be in the San Diego area? Come share our joy with us in the shop you helped build and make whatever you want! You helped back the project, now you will get to use everything that your money went for. You will get to put to work the clay, glazes and kilns you helped make possible! Rewards 1,2 and 3 also included!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $75 or more

2 backers

Bigger bowl/serving dish. We will personally make a customized serving dish or bowl for you. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $100 or more

0 backers

Teapot. We will personally make a customized teapot for you! The teapots will be medium sized and if you have a specific requirement, let us know otherwise be surprised! Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

2 backers

Vase. We will make a customized piece of pottery for you! This will be a vase of sorts, in the range of 6-12 inches. The best use is for decoration and putting flowers in! Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

1 backer

Pitcher. We will make a customized pitcher for you! Perfect for serving drinks and pouring liquids into and on various things. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $125 or more

1 backer

Lamp kit. We will make a customized piece of pottery for you that can be turned into a lamp. We will also include the necessary parts for you to turn it into a lamp! One of our favorite functionality of making such items. This lamp will be epic, you need not worry about naming any sort of specification. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $150 or more

0 backers

If you haven't heard of Spandy Andy, you need to google him, because he is awesome. We will have Spandy Andy do a personalized dance greeting for you to the song of your choice, thanking you for your support. You will not only help support our project, but him as well! Tiny high fire piece included as well as rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $250 or more

1 backer

Dish set. You will receive 4 bowls and 4 mugs all custom made and handcrafted by us.Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $300 or more

0 backers

Raku. A great type of pottery firing, the raku process produces brillant colors and is perhaps my favorite type to do. You will receive one piece of raku pottery! It is hard to get specific colors, but I have yet to be disappointed with results. Also included is a tiny high fired piece and a mug! If you would like a specific design, let me know, otherwise, be surprised! Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Jun 2012

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Pledge $600 or more

1 backer

Crystaline Firing. You will receive a piece of pottery that has the "crystaline design" on it. This is a precision firing that requires specific equipment, temperature monitoring, and heats the pottery to cone 12, or 2400 degrees. It's a lengthy process and the piece that comes out is magnificent. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $800 or more

0 backers
Limited (20 left of 20)

Ever wanted to learn how to make a piece of pottery from the wheel? If you are ever in the San Diego area, we will treat you to 6 hours worth of lessons( in 2 hour increments or all at once, make sure you schedule in advance). Makes a great date night. We will also make a customized piece for you, on the spot. Name it right in front of us, and we will make it. Also includes 2 pieces of your choice. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

You selected

Pledge $1,500 or more

0 backers

Customized package. It could include something like the lamp kit, raku and crystalline firing!! Name your size, shape, and colors. Have something else in mind like a full dish set? Let us know, we will make it happen. Rewards #1,2,3 are also included, add more for shipping if you feel inclined!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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Pledge $5,000 or more

0 backers

We will take you to one of our favorite restaurant's and treat you to dinner for two. PLUS your name will be permanently engraved on the side of our studio for all to see. All rewards are included if you desire. Anything you want made, we will do it. In case you get to crazy, limit of 25 items.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

Funding period

Mar 23, 2012 - May 22, 2012
(60 days)

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